Scozzafava Drops Out Of NY 23: What Does That Say About The GOP?

State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (above, right) has quit the race for the congressional seat that had been occupied by John McHugh in New York’s 23rd district.  Scozzafava is a moderate Republican, but not right-wing enough for today’s GOP, and so all the money is flowing to conservative Doug Hoffman (center), who doesn’t even live in the district.  The move probably will hurt the momentum Bill Owens (left) has been showing. Scozzafava released this statement:

“In recent days, polls have indicated that my chances of winning this election are not as strong as we would like them to be. The reality that I’ve come to accept is that in today’s political arena, you must be able to back up your message with money–and as I’ve been outspent on both sides, I’ve been unable to effectively address many of the charges that have been made about my record,” Scozzafava said in a statement. “It is increasingly clear that pressure is mounting on many of my supporters to shift their support. Consequently, I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so.”

Scozzafava, who is a Republican in the tradition of many New Yorkers, such as Jacob Javits and Nelson Rockefeller, is pro-gay, pro-union and pro-choice.  Unfortunately, that doesn’t fly with today’s national party. Her resignation from the face may help keep the seat in Republican hands, as the party moves further to the right.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.